How often should fit tests for respirators be conducted?

Fit tests for respirators are essential to ensure that each user's respirator provides an adequate seal against the face, preventing inhalation of airborne contaminants. The requirement is that fit tests should be conducted annually for most respirator wearers. This is to account for any changes in a person’s facial structure due to factors such as weight loss or gain, dental work, or aging, which can affect the fit of the respirator.

Annual fit testing helps maintain a high level of respiratory protection in compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations, which specify this frequency for most scenarios. While there are circumstances that may require more frequent testing, such as significant changes to the user's physical characteristics, the general rule is to perform the test once a year to ensure ongoing safety and compliance with regulatory standards.